To raise awareness relating to the stigmas surrounding mental health in the transport industry, SNAP, haulage’s digital marketplace, conducted social listening to learn how truck drivers keep their mental health in check. With 44% of truck drivers suffering from depression, SNAP offers insight into how several factors in the industry have impacted driver welfare and what must happen to change this.
In aid of World Mental Health Awareness Day on the 10th of October, SNAP asked truck drivers on their Facebook page to share the measures they took to look after their mental health. Many drivers shared the same sentiment, often turning to friends, family, and other drivers in the industry for support:
Image: SNAP
“I have a great set of mates who know all the ups and downs. As do I of them. At least one of them will be having a worse day than you are.”
“I support other drivers through my social media platforms. My inbox is always open for a chat.”
Mental health charity Mates in Mind revealed that HGV drivers have a 20% higher suicide rate than the national average. Long hours behind the wheel are isolating, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Because of this, truck stops become more than a place to rest for drivers – they act as a hub of activity where drivers can socialise with peers and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, healthy food options, and secure surroundings. The reality, however, is quite the opposite, according to drivers on SNAP’s social media pages:
“Truck driving is a thankless, lonely job. Service stations and truckstop facilities are expensive and poor.”
“With the way the industry treats truck drivers, it’s not unusual to consider that there’s ill health and problems pertaining to mental and physical issues. Dirty truck parks, diabolical rest areas, and unacceptable shower rooms.”
A report from the RHA found that 62% of drivers were dissatisfied with UK roadside facilities overall. With driver welfare in mind, SNAP’s Truckpark 2049 report highlights the need for secure, clean spaces for truck drivers. Investment by the DfT to improve lorry park facilities in the UK puts the industry in good stead to achieve this goal. It is a positive step forward in tackling rising cases of mental health-related illnesses.
As of April 2024, Europe has over 230,000 unfilled truck driver vacancies – a shortage of this size has inevitably increased pressure on those already in the industry. A rise in e-commerce means drivers are under more pressure to meet tighter delivery schedules and handle higher volumes of goods. When combined, drivers are at risk of facing burnout – leaving fleet companies with a shortage of qualified drivers.
One in five drivers describe their mental health as poor, a cause for concern for fleet companies. Fleet managers must ensure the mental health of their drivers is looked after. Fostering an environment where discussions surrounding mental health are met openly and without judgement will alter opinions and stigmas.
Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP, comments, “Raising awareness surrounding driver mental health is critical if the industry is to tackle this silent epidemic. As the backbone of global commerce, the haulage industry must ensure truck drivers are equipped with the right tools and support to look after their mental health.”
“We can start by encouraging open discussions among drivers, fleet managers, and colleagues. We must address added factors such as inadequate facilities, heightened workloads, and a driver shortage that has increased ongoing pressures. At SNAP, we will look at ways to raise awareness surrounding mental health in the industry.”
